In a decisive election, James Solomon has emerged victorious as the new mayor of Jersey City, successfully halting the political comeback of former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey. The election, held on Tuesday, followed a runoff after both candidates failed to secure more than 50% of the vote in a general election last month that featured seven candidates.
Solomon, who has served as a city council member since 2017, took center stage in a race that reflected wider national concerns about housing affordability in urban areas. At 41 years old, Solomon ran on a platform aimed at making Jersey City more accessible for its residents amidst rising living costs driven by new developments catering to affluent commuters from New York City. With a backdrop of a budget shortfall that threatens to increase property taxes, Solomon promised to tackle the influence of developers and prioritizing public safety and education in his tenure.
He emphasized his commitment to legislative changes he initiated as a council member, which include prohibiting rent-hiking algorithms and ensuring tenants have access to legal counsel. The election held significant attention not only for McGreevey’s candidacy—his first foray back into politics since his resignation in 2004 after a scandal—but also for the potential implications for Jersey City’s diverse population of approximately 303,000 residents.
Reflecting on his opponent, Solomon remarked that McGreevey’s representation of “the politics of the past” was a critical point in his campaign, asserting that the former governor’s legacy was marred with controversy. McGreevey had once declared himself a “gay American,” a moment that resonated deeply in the public memory, especially in context to his departure from office amid hiring scandals.
Solomon’s vision for Jersey City includes hiring 100 new police officers and establishing a civilian complaint review board, similar to the oversight body in New York City. He expressed a desire to integrate city governance with the independently operated school district by appointing a deputy mayor focused on education.
In the aftermath of the election, Solomon received endorsements from several former candidates, as well as prominent figures like U.S. Senator Andy Kim and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Even McGreevey acknowledged Solomon’s appeal, suggesting that he has the potential to grow into a strong leader for the city.
Despite the competitive landscape, voters have made their choice clear, signaling a desire for fresh leadership and direction for Jersey City. As Solomon prepares to assume office, there is a sense of hope and anticipation surrounding his plans to address key issues facing the city and its residents.